Chicago council defers meter sale approval, criticizes Johnson over ‘lack of transparency’

(The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council is torn over a proposal from Mayor Brandon Johnson that would approve a transfer in ownership of the city’s privatized parking system.

Aldermen have said Johnson’s office acted against the interest of transparency by withholding information.

The Chicago City Council’s finance committee was scheduled to hold a hearing Monday on the transfer, but it was ultimately delayed.

The agreed deal is subject to final approval by the council, and aldermen have called for increased transparency over the terms in an effort to get a better deal for taxpayers.

The council’s lawyers and members received more information regarding the deal on Friday, which is why the hearing about the matter was pushed back, according to committee chair Pat Dowell.

“I have heard from a number of colleagues both on the committee and not on the committee that they need more time to review all of the information that was sen...